Cultured CD71⁺ erythroid cells modulate the host immune response

Objective The study aimed to determine the impact of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on T cell proliferation and host response following whole blood stimulation. Background Culturing RBCs is a potential solution for donor shortage. The impact of immature cultured RBCs which express CD71 + on host immune response is not known. Methods/Materials PBMCs were seeded in an erythroid expansion medium. CD71 + cells were isolated at days 14 and 21 of culture and incubated with either purified T cells or with LPS‐stimulated whole blood. Controls were incubated with medium. Results At day 9, the percentage of cells that expressed CD45 and CD71 reached to the highest level (32.9%, IQR; 26.2–39.05) while the percentage of cells that expressed CD71 and CD235a reached to the highest level on day 17 (70.2%, IQR; 66.1–72.8). Incubation of T cells with days 14 CD71 + cells and day 21 CD71 + cells increased T cell proliferation. In a whole blood stimulation assay, day 21 CD71 + cells, but not day 14 CD71 + cells, inhibited the production of IL‐6 and TNFα. Conclusion Cultured erythroid cells can modulate the immune response by promoting T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine secretions following whole blood stimulation.